Fellow ABs,

Welcome to the Aviation Boatswain’s Mates Association (ABMA)—an organization that has honored our legacy, strengthened our community, and driven progress for 49 years.

The official message for this year’s Professional Working Group (PWG) has been released (R 241342Z FEB 25), along with the Aviation Boatswain’s Mate of the Year (ABOY) and LCDR Regina P. Mills Leadership Awardannouncement (R 202103Z FEB 25). These messages also include details on the Scholarship Program, Living Legend Award, and Posthumous Legend Award. I encourage you to take a moment to review them in full.

Whether you served decades ago or are still on active duty, we share a common bond—one forged on the deckplates, under pressure, and in the face of every challenge the sea could throw at us. As Aviation Boatswain’s Mates, we carry a legacy of resilience, innovation, and excellence.

The Professional Working Group is more than a time to reconnect, share sea stories, and honor those who have gone before us. It is an opportunity for you to shape the future of our community. Your expertise, knowledge, and experience drive change and innovation.

Most of us have gone through the checkout process from a command and been asked:
"What can we do better?"

That is my question to each and every one of you—What can we improve? What does our community need?
Don't wait until you're checking out of your command to make a difference. Now is the time to guide the future of our rating. I encourage you to submit agenda items and ensure your voice is heard.

To all ABs—past, present, and future—your dedication keeps Naval Aviation strong. We are the first to launch and the last to recover, ensuring our fleet remains mission-ready. That legacy lives on in each of us.

Thank you for being part of this great organization. Keep the spirit of the AB community alive.

Fair winds and following seas!
CDR Wayne Sirjoo
National President, ABMA